Diagnosis of cancer

Question 1

What are some problems with cancer screening?

Answer 1

• some techniques of screening involve small risks of serious complications (radiation)
• false-positive test result, which may lead to anxiety and unnecessary invasive diagnostic procedures
• over diagnosis
• false-negative screening test may falsely reassure an individual with subsequent clinical signs or symptoms of cancer therefore delay diagnosis and effective treatment

Question 2

Signs and symptoms of cancer

Answer 2

• change in bowel habits, bladder function. Pain with urination
• sores that do not heal - skin cancers may bleed and resemble sores that do not heal
• unusual bleeding or discharge - blood in sputum, stool = sign of colon or rectal cancer
• lumps in any part of body
• indigestion or trouble swallowing
• recent change in wart or mole - change in colour shape, loss of definite borders

Question 3

What is involved in an oncology exam?

Answer 3

• lumps or bumps - neck, abdomen, breasts
• organomegaly - hepatomegaly, splenomegaly
• fluid collections - pleural effusion, ascites, SVCO, jaundice
• neurological - dysphasia, unilateral motor signs eg weakening

Question 4

How is ascites examined?

Answer 4

abdo examination

• inspection
• peripheries - normal? jaundice?
• abdo distended
• distended veins or everted umbilicus
• palpation and percussion
• fluid thrill
• auscultation

Question 5

What investigations are carried out for diagnosis?

Answer 5

• chest x ray
• CT - abdo and pelvis
• mammogram
• FOB, urinalysis
• endoscopy
• tumour markers - AFP, HFG, PSA
• biopsy